JEDDAH: The Saudi Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development has unveiled a plan to nationalise several professions including sales, procurement, and project management.
While people from all over the world flock to Saudi Arabia for job opportunities, making it the most favoured destination for skilled workers as per a recent survey, the Kingdom is taking steps to ensure that its own people are not left behind in the economy.
In order to increase the percentage of Saudi local talent in the workforce, the new system has been created which will came into effect from December 24, concluding the previously specified grace period. The ministry has outlined specific targets for nationalisation of key professions, signalling a commitment to reshaping the composition of the workforce.
The ministry stated it would require a 15 per cent nationalisation of sales professionals, wholesale managers and personnel of information and communications technology equipment. Simultaneously, the benchmark for localisation of procurement professionals has been set at 50 per cent, encompassing roles such as procurement managers, specialists, contracts, and tender experts.
Phased nationalisation of project management professions by 35 per cent has been announced in the initial stage. This category includes project management specialists, business services, and communications project managers.
The ministry’s emphasis on percentages underscores a meticulous approach towards restructuring the workforce to reflect a more significant representation of Saudi nationals in pivotal roles.
In its commitment to facilitating this transition, the ministry has announced incentives and support mechanisms for private sector, aimed at streamlining the process of employing Saudi nationals.
The initiatives encompass assistance in recruitment, identification of suitable candidates, support for training and qualification initiatives, and facilitation of career progression. Companies are being encouraged to leverage nationalisation support programmes available within the ministry’s system, as well as those provided through the Human Resources Development Fund.
To ensure adherence to these transformative measures, the ministry has issued a comprehensive guide elucidating the details of the decisions to localise professions and the implementation mechanisms. It underscores the imperative for establishments to comply with the stipulations to avoid statutory penalties applicable to violators.
